The Cafeteria Pyramid Scheme

Maya pressed her back against the scratched lockers, phone clutched in sweaty hand like she was some kind of secret agent instead of just a freshman trying to figure out where she fit in the cafeteria's social pyramid.

"You're literally lurking," whispered Sofia, sliding up beside her. "It's giving major stalker energy."

"I'm not lurking," Maya hissed. "I'm gathering intel. There's a difference."

"Whatever you say, spy." Sofia grinned. "But you should know that Kyle's been checking you out since Tuesday. So your recon is unnecessary because he already noticed you first."

Maya's stomach did that annoying flutter thing. "Wait, actually?"

"Actually."

The bell rang, saving her from having to react like a normal human being. They shuffled to third period—Bio with Mr. Harrison, who somehow made learning about cells feel like watching paint dry.

At lunch, Maya sat with Sofia and the rest of their friend group at a table squarely in the middle zone of the cafeteria. Not the cool-kid perimeter, not the completely random territory by the vending machines. The middle. Safe. Predictable.

"So," Sofia said, dropping her tray next to Maya's. "Are you gonna talk to him or just keep staring whenever he walks by like a total weirdo?"

"I don't stare."

"You stared yesterday when he had spinach in his teeth after lunch."

Maya groaned. "That was involuntary trauma. Why does the universe let handsome boys have spinach moments? It's literally unfair."

"Did you tell him?"

"Obviously not. I have social anxiety, Sofia. Not a death wish."

Then Kyle was walking toward their table. Actually walking toward them. Maya's brain short-circuited.

"Hey," he said. "You left this in Bio." He held out a blue notebook—Maya's blue notebook, covered in doodles and song lyrics and things she'd definitely rather die than have anyone read.

"Oh my god, thank you." She grabbed it. "I was literally freaking out about that."

"No problem." He smiled, then paused. "Also, you had something in your teeth earlier. Just so you know. For next time."

Sofia burst out laughing.

Maya pressed her palm to her forehead. "The universe hates me."

"Nah," Kyle said, still smiling. "Just balancing things out. See you tomorrow, Maya."

He walked away, and Sofia was practically wheezing.

"The spinach," she gasped. "It came full circle."

Maya couldn't help it—she started laughing too. Because yeah, she'd made a complete fool of herself in front of her crush, but he'd also noticed her enough to return her notebook and save her from a whole day of panic. And maybe, just maybe, the social pyramid wasn't as unclimbable as she'd thought.